Louisiana Parents Call for Change as Viral Post Highlights Excessive Homework in Schools

A heartfelt Facebook post by Cassi Nelson has struck a chord with parents across Louisiana, particularly in Lafayette and surrounding areas, as the new school year gets underway. The post, which has been shared over 6,000 times and grabbed nearly 400 comments, has ignited a conversation about the growing concern over the amount of homework being assigned to young students.

In her post, Nelson shared her frustration after her first-grader came home with four homework pages on the second day of school. "He already doesn’t get home from school until 4 p.m. Then he had to sit still for another hour plus to complete more work," Nelson wrote. The situation left her son visibly distressed, leading him to ask his mother, "Mommy, when you were little did you get distracted a lot too?!"

Nelson’s post reflects a sentiment shared by many parents who feel that the current homework expectations are overwhelming and detrimental to their children’s well-being. She argues that homework, especially for younger children, is unnecessary and robs them of precious family time and the chance to unwind after a long day at school.

Local moms in Lafayette and the broader Acadiana region have echoed Nelson’s concerns. Comments on her post reveal a strong agreement among parents and even teachers who believe that the homework load is excessive. One parent commented, "I refuse to make my kids do homework. If they can’t get it done at school, they don’t bring it home." Another shared, "My kids don’t get home until 4ish, and the homework level is hit or miss. They don’t get to have downtime at all unless they give up the sports they love. It’s truly ridiculous."

Teachers also chimed in, with one stating, "As a second-grade teacher, I don’t believe in sending homework home. I understand they are just kids and need to be kids!" This way of thinking seems to reflect a broader shift in thinking among educators who recognize the importance of balancing academic work with a child’s need for rest and play.

As this conversation is far from over, many Louisiana parents are clearly calling for reevaluating homework policies, particularly for younger students. The message from these moms is unmistakable and validates any efforts to at least rethink the role of homework in our schools and prioritize our children's mental and emotional well-being.

Drop your thoughts on this topic in the comments, and tell us how you feel about this issue.